ESG still a 'minefield' for wary advisers and wealth managers

However, popularity of sustainable funds remains

clock • 3 min read

Advisers and wealth managers remain extremely cautious about claims made by ESG funds for fear they will get caught up in greenwashing scandals, a survey has found.

The percentage of investment advisers who say they "completely trust" sustainability claims from funds has fallen from 1% to zero, according to the ESG Attitudes Tracker from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). On a scale of one to five, most respondents (51%) rated their level of trust as ‘three', indicating limited trust. Advisers told the researchers that recommending funds based on misleading claims puts their business at risk. One adviser said: "I am concerned about [greenwashing] because to recommend something on the basis that it meets my client's desires for investm...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Green

What's COP got to do with financial advice? More than you might think

What's COP got to do with financial advice? More than you might think

'The COP process may feel remote from day-to-day advice, but its outcomes cascade'

Elly Dowding and Lee Coates
clock 06 November 2025 • 5 min read
Is ESG investment a cooling market? The EU and US approach explained

Is ESG investment a cooling market? The EU and US approach explained

Is ESG in search of a new identity?

Vernon Dennis
clock 24 October 2025 • 4 min read
'Actually, ESG's not dead': Why green investment pessimism is shortsighted

'Actually, ESG's not dead': Why green investment pessimism is shortsighted

'Backlash against disingenuous targets and greenwashing'

Jonathan Simpson
clock 20 October 2025 • 7 min read